Horror Cult Classic

A silent film star's haunted mansion becomes a slasher's stage for murder and mayhem.

TERROR NIGHT

1987 · 1h 24m · NR · Horror · IMDB TMDB

Lance Hayward, a silent movie star, appears as various characters, killing quite a handful of unfortunates, using various weapons. When it's announced that the estate belonging to 1920s silent film star Lance Haywood -- who would be in his 90's and is widely thought to be deceased --has been purchased and will be torn down, a series of characters all descend upon the mansion to get one last glimpse before it's destroyed. Little do they know, however, that Haywood is very much alive, and on a rampage to kill those who've dared to enter his home.

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Quick Answer

What is Terror Night about?

Terror Night is a 1987 American horror film directed by Nick Marino about a group of people who enter a silent film star's mansion, only to be hunted by a killer donning the star's old costumes.

Programmer's Pick

Terror Night delivers a deliciously meta slasher experience, with Lance Haywood’s killer costumes stealing the show as much as the gore. Where else do you get a mansion full of would-be victims, a killer in silent film cosplay, and Michelle Bauer doing what she does best? This is 80s cheese with extra splatter.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

The once-glamorous estate of silent film legend Lance Haywood is scheduled for demolition, but before the wrecking ball swings, curious visitors descend upon the mansion. Some are drawn by the lure of Hollywood history, others by the promise of adventure or mischief. Unbeknownst to them, someone in Haywood's vintage costumes has turned the crumbling halls into a kill zone, targeting anyone who dares trespass. With a mix of teens, opportunists, and party-seekers all exploring the property, the film sets up a classic 80s slasher scenario steeped in movie nostalgia, eccentric characters, and a taste for inventive mayhem. It’s a sly homage to old Hollywood wrapped in a bodycount flick.

Details & Specs

Director: Nick Marino
Writers: Kenneth J. Hall, Murray Levy, David Rigg
Release: 1987
Runtime: 1h 24m
Country: United States of America
Language: English
Genres: Horror

Cast & Crew

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Director: Nick Marino Writers: Kenneth J. Hall +2 more

John Ireland Lance Hayward

Cameron Mitchell Det. Sanders

Alan Hale Jr. Jake Nelson

Dan Haggerty Ted Michaels TE Timothy Elwell Angel CB Carla Baron Lorraine KA Ken Abraham Greg JS John Stuart Wildman Todd

Jamie Summers Sherry TD Tom Durkin Aaron Walsh CC Cliff Corder Ron Massey

John Henry Richardson Phantom #1

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Why Cult

Killer Costume Changes

The murderer switches between elaborate costumes inspired by silent film roles, bringing themed kills to the carnage.

Old Hollywood Mansion

The haunted setting of a decaying silent film star’s estate adds layers of cinematic nostalgia and gothic flair.

Inventive Slasher Kills

Expect a variety of murder methods, from swords to arrows, all with a dash of 80s splatter and dark humor.

Cult Cameos

Genre veterans like Cameron Mitchell and Michelle Bauer pop up in memorable roles—sometimes not for long.

Scene Gallery

Threat File

Trigger

Trespassers enter the Haywood estate

Threat

Costumed killer (Lance Haywood)

Effect

Murders intruders using themed weapons and costumes

Setting

Dilapidated Hollywood mansion

Questions from the Vault

When was Terror Night released? +

Terror Night was released in 1987.

Who directed Terror Night? +

Nick Marino directed Terror Night.

How long is Terror Night? +

Terror Night has a runtime of 84 minutes.

What genre is Terror Night? +

Terror Night is a horror film.

How are the murders in Terror Night themed? +

Each murder is carried out by the killer wearing a different costume inspired by the silent movie roles of Lance Haywood, using matching weapons and methods.